Buckle system for sports shoe

ABSTRACT

Sporting footwear can include a buckle system to secure the footwear to the user&#39;s foot. The footwear may also include additional other types of fastening systems. The buckle system can include a base plate attached to the shoe and a buckle housing attached to the base plate. The buckle housing and base plate can be assembled without tools, such as having a snap fit interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of sportingfootwear, and more particularly to buckle systems used on cycling shoes,inline skates, ski boots, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is common for many different types of athletic footwear to include astrap with a buckle attachment system as part of the overall method tosecure the footwear. The footwear may also include laces, hook andfastener straps, zippers, etc. Loosening the parts of the overallattachment system allows the footwear to open wide enough for the footto be inserted or removed. Tightening and securing the overallattachment system secures the foot within the footwear. The buckleattachment system often includes a ratcheting system that allows thewearer to further tighten the footwear to the wearer's liking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Buckle attachment systems are often fairly large which among otherdrawbacks increases the weight of the shoe as compared to other types ofattachment systems. There exists a continuing need to develop systemsand methods to decrease the size and weight of buckle systems. In someembodiments, a buckle system includes a sewn-in base plate and a bucklehousing that attaches to the base plate without the need of a screw. Thebuckle housing can snap securely into the base plate.

In some embodiments, footwear can include an upper for receiving a footof a user, a sole attached to the upper, a strap connected to the upper,and a buckle system. The buckle system can be used to secure the strapto tighten the footwear around the foot of the user. The buckle systemcan comprise a base plate attached to the upper and a buckle housingreceived into the base plate. The buckle housing and the base plate canbe connected together with a snap fit connection such that the twocomponents form a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws.Thus, for example, the buckle housing does not require screws to attachto the base plate.

According to certain embodiments, sporting footwear for use in asporting event can include an upper for receiving a foot of a user, asole attached to the upper, a strap, and a ratcheting buckle system. Thestrap can have a plurality of teeth, the strap connected to the upper.The ratcheting buckle system can be for securing the strap to tightenthe sporting footwear around the foot of the user. The ratcheting bucklesystem can include a base plate attached to the upper, a buckle housingreceived into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fitconnection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws,and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing. The firstengagement member can comprise a pawl for engaging one or more of theplurality of teeth on the strap. The first engagement member can have afirst position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and asecond position to allow the strap to loosen.

In some embodiments, the snap fit connection can comprise a protrusionon the buckle housing received into a slot on the base plate. Theprotrusion may comprise two protrusions on opposite sides of the bucklehousing and the slot may comprise two slots on the base plate. The twoprotrusions can be located at a front end of the buckle housing and thetwo slots can be located at a front end of the base plate. A raisedledge can be located on the base plate wherein each of the protrusionscan be positioned within one of the slots such that a back end of theprotrusion abuts the slot and a front end of the protrusion abuts theraised ledge. An additional slot can be located in a central area of thebase plate and a first cooperating protrusion on the buckle housing canbe received into the additional slot. A still further second additionalslot can be located at a back end of the base plate and a secondcooperating protrusion can be at a back end of the of the buckle housingreceived into the second additional slot.

Further embodiments can include one or more of the following features.The base can have a sunken bottom and the buckle housing can bepositioned in the sunken bottom such that at least of portion of one ormore of the front, back, and side surfaces of the buckle housing abutwalls of the sunken bottom. The top of the base plate can besubstantially flush with a top of the buckle housing. A secondengagement member can be included which is configured to tighten thestrap, wherein rotating the second engagement member causes one end ofthe second engagement member to engage one or more of the plurality ofteeth on the strap and advance the teeth through the buckle system. Thefirst engagement member can be pivotally connected to the bucklehousing. The footwear can further include at least one spring. The baseplate can be plastic and the buckle housing can be metal.

In some embodiments, sporting footwear for use in a sporting event cancomprise an upper for receiving a foot of a user, a sole attached to theupper, a strap attached to the upper at one end and having a free end,the strap comprising a plurality of teeth, and a ratcheting bucklesystem. The free end of the strap can be configured to advance throughthe ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tighten the upperaround the foot of the user. The ratcheting buckle system can include abase plate sewn into the upper, a buckle housing received into the baseplate and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing. Thebuckle housing can be connected to the base plate with a snap fitconnection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws.The snap fit connection can comprise a protrusion on the buckle housingreceived into a slot on the base plate. The first engagement member cancomprise a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth onthe strap, the first engagement member having a first positionconfigured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second positionconfigured to allow the strap to loosen.

The protrusion can further comprise two protrusions on opposite sides ofthe buckle housing and the slot can comprise two slots on the baseplate. The two protrusions can be located at a front end of the bucklehousing and the two slots can be located at a front end of the baseplate. The base plate may further include first and second holes passingthrough the base plate. The buckle housing may further include first andsecond hooks on the buckle housing, each hook being positioned withinone of the holes.

Certain embodiments of footwear can comprise an upper for receiving afoot of a user, a sole attached to the upper, a strap having a pluralityof teeth, the strap connected to the upper, and a ratcheting bucklesystem for securing the strap to tighten the upper around the foot ofthe user. The ratcheting buckle system can comprise a base plate sewninto the upper, a buckle housing received into the base plate andconnected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating orpivoting assembly such that the ratcheting buckle system does notutilize screws, and a first engagement member connected to the bucklehousing. The first engagement member can comprise a pawl for engagingone or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagementmember having a first position configured to prevent the strap fromloosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are described belowwith reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but notto limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference charactersdenote corresponding features consistently throughout similarembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a buckle system.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the buckle system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a buckle system.

FIG. 4 shows part of an assembly process for a buckle system.

FIG. 4A shows a detail view of the buckle system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the buckle system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6, 6A, and 7 illustrate components of another embodiment of abuckle system.

FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B show a prior art shoe with buckle system.

FIGS. 10A and 10B compare certain features of a buckle system accordingto certain embodiments (FIG. 10A) and a prior art buckle system (FIG.10B).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another buckle system.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the buckle system of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate components of the buckle system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of a base plate.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the buckle system of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Many different types of athletic or sporting footwear may include astrap with a buckle attachment system as part of the overall method tosecure the footwear. For example, cycling shoes, inline skates, skiboots, and the like often include a buckle attachment system. Thoughmany types of athletic or sporting footwear exist, a buckle attachmentsystem will generally be described with reference to cycling shoes. Itwill be understood that features of the buckle attachment systemdiscussed herein could be used with any type of athletic or sportingfootwear or otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a buckle system 10 used to secure astrap 12. A buckle system 10 is shown as a ratcheting system, though thebuckle system can secure the strap in one of many different ways. Thestrap 12 and buckle system 10 can be used to tighten a shoe or boot,such as an upper of a shoe, around the foot of the user. A sole isgenerally attached to the upper. A strap and buckle system is often usedin addition to other securement systems such as laces, hook and loopfastener straps, zippers, etc. For example, clipless cycling shoes oftenhave one or two straps that tighten with hook and loop fasteners andthen one additional strap that uses a ratcheting buckle system.

Loosening the parts of the overall attachment system can allow thefootwear to open wide enough for the user's foot to be inserted orremoved. Tightening and securing the overall attachment system cansecure the foot within the footwear. The buckle system can offer asecondary securement system that can provide greater clamping power andsecurity as compared to laces, hook and loop fastener straps, or othersecurement or closure systems.

The illustrated buckle system 10 of FIG. 1 includes a base plate 14, abuckle housing 16, and one or more engagement members 18, 20. Theengagement members 18, 20 can take one of many different forms and caninclude levers, prongs, protrusions, bars, etc., configured to engage orinteract with the strap 12.

The base plate 14 can be used to secure the buckle system 10 to theshoe. (A prior art buckle system 10′ is shown sewn into a cliplesscycling shoe 2 in FIG. 8.) For example, the base plate 14 can be sewninto the shoe. The base plate 14 can also be used for receiving thebuckle housing 16. The base plate 14 can include a main portion 22 forreceiving the buckle housing 16. As will be described in greater detailbelow, buckle housings are often connected at base plates through theuse of a screw. The illustrated buckle system 10 does not require ascrew but rather desirably provides a snap fit type interface betweenthe base plate 14 and the buckle housing 16.

The base plate 14 can include an outer flange 24 that extends out fromthe main portion 22 and around all or substantially all of the baseplate 14. In some embodiments, the outer flange 24 can be located alongone or more sides of the base plate. In some embodiments the outerflange 24 can comprises protrusions located at selected locations alongthe base plate. The outer flange 24 can be fairly thin to allow thematerial to be pierced by a sewing needle to sew and secure the baseplate to the shoe. The base plate 14 can be sewn into the shoe by threadpassing through the outer flange 24.

The base plate 14 may be made of a plastic material such asthermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The plastic material may be relativelyelastic, durable and fairly resistant to abrasion. The base plate can beinjection molded. The strap may also be made of TPU.

The buckle housing 16 is preferably made of metal, but may also be madeof plastic, such as a relatively hard plastic material. The base plate14 and buckle housing 16 are often made of two different materials. Thiscan allow for greater flexibility at the interface between the bucklesystem and the shoe, while providing increased durability andreliability between the buckle system and the strap.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a ratcheting aspect of the buckle system10 will be described. The strap 12 is shown having a plurality of teeth26 along the surface forming a rack. The buckle system 10 includes twoengagement members 18, 20. The first engagement member 18 can be usedfor tightening the strap 12. This is done by raising and rotating theengagement member 18 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3. Theengagement member 18 is in the form of a lever. Raising the lever 18causes the lever to pivot about an axis “A” and causes one end 28 of thelever to engage the teeth 26 and advance the teeth through the bucklesystem (to the left in the frame of the figure) to tighten the strap 12.As shown, the end 28 of the lever 18 can include one, two, or moreteeth, shaped to engage the teeth 26 on the strap 12 when the lever 18is rotated, or raised up. The engagement member 18 can be raised androtated as many times as desired to achieve the desired fit.

The second engagement member 20 can be used in one position to preventthe strap 12 from loosening (i.e., moving to the right in the frame ofthe figure) and in a second position can act as a release mechanism,allowing the strap 12 to be loosened. The second engagement member 20includes a tooth or pawl 30. The pawl 30 can engage the teeth 26 on thestrap and the strap 12 can be prevented from loosening as it generallycannot pass by the pawl 30 unless the second engagement member isrotated, or otherwise moved from blocking the path. As the teeth 26include an angled leading edge, the teeth can move to the left, but areblocked from moving to the right. Thus, the teeth 26 define a lockingface on the right side and a releasing face on the left side. Pressingon the end 32 of the second engagement member 20 causes the engagementmember to rotate around axis “B” and can disengage the pawl 30 from theteeth 26, thereby allowing for loosening of the strap 12.

Each engagement member 18, 20 can be in contact with a spring 62 to biasthe engagement members 18, 20 to a desired position (FIG. 2). Forexample, the engagement member 20 can be biased to a locked position,securing the strap in place within the buckle system 10. The engagementmember 18 can be biased to a position where it is not engaging thestrap. The engagement members 18, 20 can be pivotally received into thebuckle housing 16 such as with a rod, protrusion, rivet, etc. 64.

It will be understood that other ratcheting and non-ratcheting systemscan be used with the buckle system 10. For example, in some embodimentsonly one engagement member 20 is included in the system. The strap 12can be tightened by simply pulling on the free end of the strap.Pressing on the end 32 of the engagement member 20 can then release thestrap 12.

In some embodiments the engagement members 18, 20 can be sized to fitwithin the buckle housing 16. A top surface of the engagement members18, 20 can be flush or substantially flush with the top of the bucklehousing and possibly also with a portion of the base plate. For example,the tops of the engagement members 18, 20, the buckle housing 16, andthe base plate 14 can form a substantially flush curved surface asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Looking now to FIG. 4, the base plate 14 and buckle housing 16 will nowbe described in more detail. The buckle housing 16 can snap securelyinto the base plate 14. The combined buckle housing and base plate canform a non-rotating and non-pivoting assembly. This can be done with asnap fit type connection and generally does not require the use of ascrew. Though, a screw could also be used in addition to the snap fitconnection.

Buckle systems often include a base plate including a threaded portion,or a threaded insert integrally formed with the base plate as can beseen in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B which show a prior art version of a bucklesystem 10′ on a clipless cycling shoe 2. The cycling shoe has a sole 4,an upper 6, and a tongue 7 and the buckle system 10′ is sewn into theupper 6. FIG. 9A shows the stitching 8 that passes through the baseplate 14′ to attach it to the upper 6. As can be seen, the bucklehousing 16′ is attached to the base plate 14′ with a screw 34 (FIGS.9A-9B). The base plate includes two threaded inserts 36. The use of athreaded insert and a screw greatly increases the thickness of the baseplate 14′.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the difference in thickness or stack heightbetween the prior art buckle system 10′ using a screw and a threadedinsert and the buckle system 10 of the current disclosure. The stackheight is measured from the outer surface of the shoe to the top of thebuckle system. In FIG. 10B the stack height D1 of the prior art bucklesystem 10′ is 16 mm and in FIG. 10A the stack height D2 of the bucklesystem 10 of the current disclosure is 9.5 mm. It will be understoodthat these dimensions are only examples, but they illustrate howeliminating the threaded insert can greatly decrease the size of thebuckle system.

Returning now to FIG. 4, it will be understood that the buckle housing16 can attach to the base plate 14 in one of many different ways. Forexample, the main portion 22 can be shaped to receive the buckle housing16 with a substantially tight fit. The buckle housing 16 can be similarto a cartridge that is advanced into the main portion 22 and locked inplace.

As shown, the buckle housing 16 can slide and/or snap into the mainportion 22 of the base plate 14. The base plate can be shaped to receivethe buckle housing. The base plate can have a sunken bottom and thebuckle housing can be positioned in the sunken bottom such that at leastof portion of one or more of the front, back, and side surfaces of thebuckle housing abut walls of the sunken bottom. For example, the backside 40 of the buckle housing can abut a back wall or ledge 38 on thebase plate 14. In some embodiments, the ledge 38 can form a lip thatextends into the buckle housing to further secure the housing in place.Also, the sides 50 of the buckle housing can be next to the side walls42 of the main portion 22. In some embodiments, the side walls 42 andthe sides 50 of the buckle housing 16 can be substantially the sameheight such that the tops are substantially flush. In other embodimentsthe side walls 42 can be shorter than the sides 50 of the bucklehousing. In some embodiments of the base plate 14, the outer flange 24and the main portion 22 can be substantially the same thickness from topto bottom, the bottom being in contact with the shoe.

The front 52 of the buckle housing 16 can also abut a front wall orledge 44 on the base plate 14. FIG. 4A shows a detail view of some ofthe connection features between the buckle housing 16 and the base plate14. Reviewing FIGS. 4 and 4A, slots 46 can also be seen in the baseplate 14. A protrusion 54 on the buckle housing 16 can be received intothe slot 46. The protrusion 54 can be received into the slot 46 in asnap fit manner with the ledge 44 then being positioned next to thefront 52 of the buckle housing 16. As shown, the buckle system 10 caninclude two protrusions 54 received into slots 46 of either side of thebuckle housing 16. Each of the protrusions 54 can be positioned withinone of the slots 46 such that a back end of the protrusion abuts theslot and a front end of the protrusion abuts the raised ledge 44.

The base plate can be made of a flexible material, such that advancingthe protrusion 54 towards the slot 46 can cause a portion of the wall 22and/or the ledge 44 to flex and bend. This can allow the protrusion topass through a space between the wall and ledge. After the protrusionhas passed therethrough, the wall and/or ledge can resiliently springback into position. In this way the wall and ledge can thereafterprevent the protrusion from leaving the slot at undesirable times.

One or more holes or slots 60 can be located on the sides of the bucklehousing 16. The engagement members 18, 20 can be pivotally received intothe buckle housing 16 at the one or more holes or slots 60 such as witha rod, protrusion, rivet, etc. 64.

FIGS. 4 and 5 also illustrate another feature which can help secure thebuckle housing 16 to the base plate 14. The base plate 14 can include aslot 48 and the buckle housing 16 can include a cooperating feature 56received into the slot 48. The cooperating feature 56 can be a hook asshown, but also can be a ridge, protrusion, bar, etc., to be receivedinto the slot 48 and to help prevent the buckle housing 16 from movingout of the assembled condition. It will be understood that the slot andcooperating feature could be reversed such that the slot 48 is locatedon the buckle housing. Similarly, the protusion(s) 54, slots 46, ledges44, etc. could also be reversed.

The buckle system 10 can beneficially reduce the thickness of the baseplate and buckle housing as compared to prior art designs. Inparticular, the buckle system 10 does not have to accommodate industrystandard screw depths for attaching the buckle housing to the baseplate. This also results in a reduced costs parts count and reduced costbecause screws are not required. Overall the design is simpler inoverall execution. In addition, the assembly of the base plate andbuckle housing does not require the use of tools. This is because thebuckle housing can attach to the sewn in base plate without using aninset and external screw, rather in some embodiments, a non-rotating orpivoting buckle housing can snap into rigid attachment with a base plateon the shoe.

Turning now to FIGS. 6, 6A, and 7, an alternative design for a baseplate 14″ and buckle housing 16″ is shown. Numerical reference tocomponents is the same as previously described, except that two primesymbols (″) have been added to the reference. Where such referencesoccur, it is to be understood that the components are the same orsubstantially similar to previously-described components.

The buckle housing 16″ can include one or more protrusions 54″ and thebase plate 14″ can include one or more corresponding slots 46″. As canbe seen in cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A, a protrusion 54″ can bereceived into a corresponding slot 46″. The one or more protrusions 54″and the one or more corresponding slots 46″ can be located along anyportion of the base plate 14″ and buckle housing 16″ so long as theyallow for engagement. The protrusion 54″ can be received into thecorresponding slot 46″ by an interference fit or a snap fit and in thisway the buckle housing 16″ can be held in place within the base plate14″. The base plate 14″ may also include a sunken bottom 58 that canreceive and abut the bottom and side surfaces of the buckle housing 16″similar to the ledges and walls that can abut the front, back, and sidesof the buckle housing 16 described previously. The sunken bottom orother similar configurations can restrict movement of the buckle housing16″ within the base plate 14″.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate another embodiment of a buckle system 10′″ usedto secure a strap 12′″. The strap 12′″ and buckle system 10′″ can beused to tighten a shoe or boot, such as an upper of a shoe, around thefoot of the user. Numerical reference to components is the same aspreviously described, except that three prime symbols (′″) have beenadded to the reference. Where such references occur, it is to beunderstood that the components are the same or substantially similar topreviously-described components

The illustrated buckle system 10′″ of FIG. 11 includes a base plate14′″, a buckle housing 16′″, and one or more engagement members 18′″,20′″. The base plate 14′″ can be used to secure the buckle system 10′″to the shoe, for example by sewing the base plate to the shoe. The baseplate 14′″ can also be used for receiving the buckle housing 16′″. Thebase plate 14′″ can include a main portion 22′″ for receiving the bucklehousing 16′″.

The base plate 14′″ can include an outer flange 24′″ that extends outfrom the main portion 22′″ and around all or substantially all of thebase plate 14′″. The outer flange 24′″ can be fairly thin to allow thematerial to be pierced by a sewing needle to sew and secure the baseplate to the shoe. As shown, the outer flange 24′″ has an increased sizeas compared to the previously discussed embodiments, with an extension25. The outer flange 24′″ can extend to a seam or end of the shoe upper6, such as near the tongue 7 at the eyestay 9 (see generally FIG. 8).The extended section 25 can be substantially parallel with the strap12′″ and can extend towards the tongue 7 of the shoe. In otherembodiments, the extended section can extend towards the sole of theshoe. In some embodiments, the outer flange can extend from the sole tothe tongue.

Having an increased size outer flange 24′″ can add support and increasethe strength of attachment between the buckle system 10′″ and the shoe.The increased size of the outer flange can also add support to the shoeupper materials to stop or decrease wrinkling as the buckle system 10′″is tightened. For example, it may prevent wrinkling near the eyestayarea, or the area of the upper between the buckle system 10′″ and theeyestay. In addition, the larger outer flange can provide support to theupper. This can help the upper maintain the desired shape, and maybeneficially stiffen and strengthen the upper.

The buckle system 10′″ of FIGS. 11-15 is shown with a ratcheting systemwith two engagement members 18′″, 20′″ similar to that previouslydiscussed. The first engagement member 18′″ can be raised and rotated asmany times as desired to achieve the desired fit. The second engagementmember 20′″ can be used in one position to prevent the strap 12′″ fromloosening (i.e., moving to the left in the frame of FIG. 11) and in asecond position can act as a release mechanism, allowing the strap 12′″to be loosened.

The engagement members 18′″, 20′″ can be sized to fit within the bucklehousing 16′″. A top surface of the engagement members 18′″, 20′″ can beflush or substantially flush with the top of the buckle housing 16′″ ascan be seen with reference to FIG. 12. It can also be seen that the mainportion 22′″ of the base plate 14′″ can be spaced below the top of thebuckle housing 16′″. Thus, the base plate can be generally slimmer thanor maintain a generally lower profile than the buckle housing.

Looking now to FIGS. 13A-B, the basic parts of the buckle system 10′″can be seen. One difference from previously described embodiments can beseen in the strap 12′″. The strap is shaped like a “T” with a head 66 atone end. A strap receiver 68 can be separately sewn or otherwiseattached to the shoe at the tab 70. The strap 12′″ can then be insertedinto the strap receiver 68 after all or part of the shoe has beenassembled. In this way different length straps can be interchangeablewith the buckle system. This two-part system can allow the end user moreflexibility to determine the length of the strap. For example, thesmaller sized strap can be the recommended default, while the longerstrap can be interchanged therefore, for people with higher arches orotherwise having a taller or larger foot. This can allow one shoe towork with people having different widths or heights to their foot.

Continuing to review the basic parts of the buckle system 10′″, moreparticularly with respect to FIG. 13B, it will be seen that the baseplate 14′″ and buckle housing 16′″ are very similar to that describedwith respect to FIGS. 4-5. As in the previously discussed embodiments,the buckle housing 16′″ can snap securely into the base plate 14′″. Thecombined buckle housing and base plate can form a non-rotating andnon-pivoting assembly. This can be done with a snap fit type connectionand generally does not require the use of a screw. Though, a screw couldalso be used in addition to the snap fit connection.

As shown, the buckle housing 16′″ can slide and/or snap into the mainportion 22′″ of the base plate 14′″. The base plate can be shaped toreceive the buckle housing. Protrusions 54′″ on either side of thebuckle housing 16′″ can be received into the respective slots 46′″ oneither side of the base plate 14′″. The front 52′″ of the buckle housing16′″ can also abut a front wall or ledge 44′″ on the base plate 14′″.The protrusions 54′″ can be received into the slots 46′″ in a snap fitmanner with the ledge 44′″ positioned next to the front 52′″ of thebuckle housing 16′″.

The base plate can be made of a flexible material, such that advancingthe protrusion 54′″ towards the slot 46′″ can cause a portion of thewall 22′″ and/or the ledge 44′″ to flex and bend. This can allow theprotrusion to pass through a space between the wall and ledge. After theprotrusion has passed therethrough, the wall and/or ledge canresiliently spring back into position. In this way the wall and ledgecan thereafter prevent the protrusion from leaving the slot atundesirable times.

The buckle system 10′″ can include two holes or slots 48′″ on the baseplate 14′″ and two corresponding cooperating features 56′″, such ashooks, on the buckle housing 16′″ to help secure the buckle housing tothe base plate. The cooperating features 56′″ can be hooks as shown, butalso can be a ridge, protrusion, bar, etc., to be received into theslots 48′″ and to help prevent the buckle housing 16 from moving out ofthe assembled condition. The cooperating features 56′″ can be positionedin any desired position on the buckle housing. As shown, the first hook56′″ is near the back of the buckle housing and the second is near thefront, close to the protrusions 54′″. The hooks are lined up andpointing in the same direction.

It will be understood that the slot and cooperating feature could bereversed such that the slots 48′″ are located on the buckle housing.Similarly, the protusion(s) 54′″, slots 46″, ledges 44″, etc. could alsobe reversed. Still further, it will be understood that where two or morecooperating features are used, they can be different; for example, ahook and a peg, or a tongue and a bar. Similarly, the slot or hole canbe any desired shape and can also include an indentation, a groove, etc.Having two or more cooperating features can increase the strength anddurability of the buckle system 10′″.

Looking at FIGS. 14 and 15, it can be seen that the underside of thebase plate 14′″ can include recesses 72 to receive the hooks. This canhelp ensure that the hooks do not project below the bottom of the baseplate.

Returning to FIG. 13B, it can also be seen that in addition to receivinghooks and protrusions, the base plate 14′″ can further be shaped toreceive and confine the buckle housing 16′″. For example, the base platecan have a sunken bottom and the buckle housing can be positioned in thesunken bottom such that at least of portion of one or more of the front,back, and side surfaces of the buckle housing abut walls of the sunkenbottom. For example, the back side 40′″ of the buckle housing can abut awall or ledge 38′″ on the base plate 14′″. In some embodiments, theledge 38′″ can form a lip that extends into the buckle housing tofurther secure the buckle housing in place. The back wall or ledge 38′″of the base plate can also include a projection 74. The projection 74can be used to account for the cutout from the hook 56′″ in the bucklehousing 16′″. This way, the back 40′″ of the buckle housing above thehook can also abut a surface, namely the projection 74, on the back ofthe base plate. As discussed with respect to other embodiments, thesides 50′″ of the buckle housing can also be next to the side walls 42′″of the main portion 22′″.

As shown, the side walls 42′″ can be shorter than the sides 50′″ of thebuckle housing. In some embodiments, the side walls 42′″ and the sides50′″ of the buckle housing 16′″ can be substantially the same heightsuch that the tops are substantially flush.

The buckle system 10′″ can beneficially reduce the thickness of the baseplate and buckle housing as compared to prior art designs. Inparticular, the buckle system 10′″ does not have to accommodate industrystandard screw depths for attaching the buckle housing to the baseplate. This also results in a reduced costs parts count and reduced costbecause screws are not required. Overall the design is simpler inoverall execution. In addition, the assembly of the base plate andbuckle housing does not require the use of tools. This is because thebuckle housing can attach to the sewn in base plate without using aninset and external screw, rather in some embodiments, a non-rotating orpivoting buckle housing can snap into rigid attachment with a base plateon the shoe.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof In addition, while a number of variations of the invention havebeen shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those ofskill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope ofthe present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that any claim require more features than areexpressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than allfeatures of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. Sporting footwear for use in a sporting eventcomprising: an upper for receiving a foot of a user; a sole attached tothe upper; a strap having a plurality of teeth, the strap connected tothe upper; a ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tightenthe sporting footwear around the foot of the user, the ratcheting bucklesystem comprising: a base plate attached to the upper; a buckle housingreceived into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fitconnection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws;and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing, the firstengagement member comprising a pawl for engaging one or more of theplurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagement member having afirst position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and asecond position configured to allow the strap to loosen.
 2. The sportingfootwear of claim 1, wherein the snap fit connection comprises aprotrusion on the buckle housing received into a slot on the base plate.3. The sporting footwear of claim 2, wherein the protrusion comprisestwo protrusions on opposite sides of the buckle housing and the slotcomprises two slots on the base plate.
 4. The sporting footwear of claim3, wherein the two protrusions are located at a front end of the bucklehousing and the two slots are located at a front end of the base plate.5. The sporting footwear of claim 4, further comprising a raised ledgeon the base plate wherein each of the protrusions are positioned withinone of the slots such that a back end of the protrusion abuts the slotand a front end of the protrusion abuts the raised ledge.
 6. Thesporting footwear of claim 3, further comprising an additional slotlocated in a central area of the base plate and a first cooperatingprotrusion on the buckle housing received into the additional slot. 7.The sporting footwear of claim 6, wherein the cooperating protrusioncomprises a hook.
 8. The sporting footwear of claim 6, furthercomprising a second additional slot located at a back end of the baseplate and a second cooperating protrusion at a back end of the of thebuckle housing received into the second additional slot.
 9. The sportingfootwear of claim 1, wherein the base plate further comprises a sunkenbottom, the buckle housing positioned in the sunken bottom such that atleast of portion of one or more of the front, back, and side surfaces ofthe buckle housing abut walls of the sunken bottom.
 10. The sportingfootwear of claim 1, further comprising a second engagement memberconfigured to tighten the strap, wherein rotating the second engagementmember causes one end of the second engagement member to engage one ormore of the plurality of teeth on the strap and advance the teeththrough the buckle system.
 11. The sporting footwear of claim 1, whereinthe first engagement member is pivotally connected to the bucklehousing.
 12. The sporting footwear of claim 1, further comprising atleast one spring.
 13. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the baseplate is plastic and the buckle housing is metal.
 14. The sportingfootwear of claim 1, wherein the base plate is sewn into the upper. 15.The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the sporting footwear is aclipless cycling shoe.
 16. Sporting footwear for use in a sporting eventcomprising: an upper for receiving a foot of a user; a sole attached tothe upper; a strap attached to the upper at one end and having a freeend, the strap comprising a plurality of teeth; a ratcheting bucklesystem wherein the free end of the strap is configured to advancethrough the ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tightenthe upper around the foot of the user, the ratcheting buckle systemcomprising: a base plate sewn into the upper; a buckle housing receivedinto the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fit connectionforming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws, the snap fitconnection comprising a protrusion on the buckle housing received into aslot on the base plate; and a first engagement member connected to thebuckle housing, the first engagement member comprising a pawl forengaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the firstengagement member having a first position configured to prevent thestrap from loosening and a second position configured to allow the strapto loosen.
 17. The sporting footwear of claim 16, wherein the protrusioncomprises two protrusions on opposite sides of the buckle housing andthe slot comprises two slots on the base plate.
 18. The sportingfootwear of claim 17, wherein the two protrusions are located at a frontend of the buckle housing and the two slots are located at a front endof the base plate.
 19. The sporting footwear of claim 16, furthercomprising first and second holes passing through the base plate andfirst and second hooks on the buckle housing, each hook being positionedwithin one of the holes.
 20. Footwear comprising: an upper for receivinga foot of a user; a sole attached to the upper; a strap having aplurality of teeth, the strap connected to the upper; a ratchetingbuckle system for securing the strap to tighten the upper around thefoot of the user, the ratcheting buckle system comprising: a base platesewn into the upper; a buckle housing received into the base plate andconnected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating orpivoting assembly such that the ratcheting buckle system does notutilize screws; and a first engagement member connected to the bucklehousing, the first engagement member comprising a pawl for engaging oneor more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagementmember having a first position configured to prevent the strap fromloosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.